Extension Horses, through a partnership between UF/IFAS Extension equine faculty and several other land grant universities, has developed resources for horse owners and managers to provide information and support during COVID-19.

Extension Horses includes horse specialists from universities around the country working together to bring horse owners and professionals timely, research-based online information that safeguards horse and human health during the pandemic.

“Equine Extension specialists from UF/IFAS, Cornell University, Oklahoma State University, Purdue University, the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University collaborated in this effort to compile guidance on COVID-19 from trusted, science-based sources into more concise, visual formats for quick reference and the ability to distribute via social media,” said Carissa Wickens, UF/IFAS Extension equine specialist.

Resources include infographics, FAQ flyers and a series of educational webinars that provide access to experts on topics directly affecting equine owners and operations. The webinar series is being advertised through the Extension Horses website and social media outlets in response to the huge volume of similar questions being asked of Extension horse specialists and county Extension agents around the United States.

“The COVID-19 situation is simply too big for one university to address, but together we are bringing key information to the U.S. horse industry,” she said. “This is a constantly evolving situation. The exchange of information and knowledge taking place among Extension Horses members and leading experts in other state and national level organizations including the American Horse Council, American Association of Equine Practitioners, state agriculture agencies, horse breed organizations, and other industry partners, greatly enhances our ability to assist our clientele.”

These resources, including the webinar series, can be found by visiting horses.extension.org.

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